This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rules For Posting To This Blog and Weekly Blog Question

1. Only use your first name (no last names, addresses, IM screen names, etc.)2. Show respect and consideration of others when posting and commenting. This includes individuals, students, organizations, political parties, colleagues, etc.3. Check all posts for spelling and grammar errors before posting.4. Protect the privacy of others. Gain permission from other people before you write about them. Avoid sharing someone else's last name. Use job titles or pseudonyms when writing about experiences with your co-workers or students.5. Watch your language. Use politically correct and non-offensive language.6. Make sure you write about things that are factual.7. Keep your postings education-oriented. Avoid discussing plans for the weekend, etc.

FINAL BLOG POST - OUR "DAILY TRIPLE" (DUE 12/1).

This week I would like you to use your imagination. You have just won the lottery and will leave your teaching post immediately to travel around the world. As you leave your keys you meet your replacement. You are asked to give this new teacher just ONE piece of advice. What would that be, and why? Enjoy your world expedition!

Blog Post - Week 7

This past week in my own teaching I felt a little disconnected which prompts my question to you, "What was the moment (or moments) when I felt most disconnected or disengaged as a teacher - the moment(s) I said to myself, I'm just going through the motions here?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 6

For the past couple of weeks you have experienced asynchronous online learning (doing modules by yourself). Previously this semester you have experienced synchronous online learning (all together in the Collaborate room). Which do you think is more effective and why do you think that? Which do you like better, and why?

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 5

This week we have what we call "open mic." You can write a post about anything related to your teaching that you would like responses from your classmates.

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 4

Here is this week's question: "What was the event that most took me surprise this week - and event that shook me up, caught me off guard, gave me a jolt, or made me unexpectedly happy?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 3

Please write a post about the following question, "In thinking about my past week teaching what is one thing I would do differently, and why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 2

Please write a post about the following question, " In thinking about my teaching activities this past week, of what do I feel most proud? Why?"

Fall Semester 2016 Blog Post - Week 1

Describe something you used in your program in the first weeks of school that you learned in the summer NTI program. How did it work? Did it get you off to a stronger start than last year?

Sunday, September 21, 2008

What Worked and What I'm still Working On

What Has Worked Well: There are several things that have worked well for me. The behavioral strategies, I would say, have helped me the most. I am more able to keep myself in control this year after the summer NTI. Some of my out of control students from last year are back, and I'm actually keeping them focused and on track this year. I originally thought "To you..., To me..." Wouldn't work, but it actually does. I've learned how to identify that "proximity" actually makes a big difference. Students that I have just walked near, or stood near by when they were disrupting instructions or group discussions, have said to me "are you standing near me because I'm talking too much". I am able to keep a straight face and say "Just say on track, and finish your work" and continue walking around the room without stopping my class. I am approaching individuals and speaking with them quietly, instead of talking to them over the class- eliminating a lot of the bickering/arguing back and forth from the student. I definately feel that the behavioral strategies have given me a huge lift in my classroom.

What isn't working very well: Getting my first year students through Safety! I am struggling with inventing new motivational activities to keep the students learning safety. They are not allowed to enter the shop, and that is what they are pushing for. I am having difficulties gettting my two first year classes to understand the need and importance of safety in the shop. I have done individual work, group work, activities, study guides and games......and very few of them are participating. I feel like I need to move onto Automotive Careers and come back to safety. Would that work? any opinions?

1 comment:

I think you should move on, but come back to safety right before the first lab activity. You may need to teach only what they need to know for that first lab as far as safety goes. Are you teaching too big of a "chunk" at once? Dr. J.